Lost Creek Reservoir - 2022 Survey Report

Prepared by Wes Dutter and Robert Mauk
Inland Fisheries Division - Wichita Falls District

This is the authors' summary from a 28-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lost Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2022 using electrofishing. Historical data are presented with the 2022 data for comparison. This report summarizes the results of the survey and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Lost Creek Reservoir is a 385-acre impoundment located on Lost Creek, a tributary of the West Fork of the Trinity River approximately 58 miles southeast of Wichita Falls. The primary use is for municipal water supply and recreation. It has a primarily rocky shoreline with flooded timber. Hydrilla is present in the reservoir. Lost Creek Reservoir has an average depth of 30 feet and water clarity as measured by secchi disc is often over seven feet in depth. Fort Richardson State Park offers a satellite park on the reservoir with a swimming area and kayak rental and launch. Boat access is available at a two-lane public boat ramp with a loading dock. Shoreline access is available in the State Park and around the boat ramp.

Management History

Historically, Largemouth Bass have been the most important sport fish with Channel Catfish, White Bass, and White Crappie also being present. The Largemouth Bass minimum length limit was reduced from 16-inches to the statewide 14-inch regulation on September 1, 2003. Stocking of advanced size Channel Catfish last occurred in 2008. Threadfin Shad were stocked in the reservoir in 2008 and 2009 to boost the amount of available prey.

Fish Community

• Prey species: No Threadfin Shad were sampled during the electrofishing survey. Gizzard Shad electrofishing catch rate was very low, and few Gizzard Shad were available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch rate of Bluegill was very high, with some Bluegill reaching 8-inches in length.
• Redear Sunfish: The relative abundance was high with a good number of fish 7-inches in length or larger.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch rate matched the historical average. The catch rate of legal-length and larger fish improved from previous surveys. Largemouth Bass were sampled up to 19-inches in length. The body condition was poor for most length groups.

Management Strategies

• Continue monitoring the hydrilla growth around the reservoir for access problems annually.
• Promote the Redear and Bluegill Sunfish fisheries via social media and in conversations with anglers.
• Request a stocking of Lone Star Bass.
• Monitor the Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Redear Sunfish populations with electrofishing in 2026.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-5 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program